Pictured above is one of Bradford's best kept secret, I refer of course to Haigy's Pub Lumb Lane Bradford. One of just a few establishments within a few hundred yards from Morrisons Westgate, offering traditional hand pulled beer with food to accompany if so desired.
The picture on the left looking down from the Westgate end of Lumb Lane, off White Abbey Road you come across Haigy's situated on the left on the corner of Sedgwick Close. The lane is quite long and is the home of another two pubs "The West End Bar" and "Barrack Tavern". Pictured right is the view looking towards Westgate showing the illuminated pub with the sign on the wall advertising Real Ales and Food.
David & Yvonne Haig, licensee owner operators of Haigy's Lumb Lane Bradford took over the pub in 1989 when it was called Arthur's Bar, after the then licensee Arthur Midgley. Previously to that it was called the Flying Dutchman, it was then a Heys pub later taken over by Webster's, then to become a Free House, a pub that has no tie to any one particular brewery. David's background as to the license trade started as a part time bar man, then working for the MECCA organization, managing one of Bradford's most iconic of Disco Night Club's the Heartbeat, I'm sure many of the older viewers of Bradfordeye will remember that fine club, I certainly do!
The well known Bradford Ice Rink was David's next port of call as Catering Manager and later Assistant Manager. From there he moved to Halifax the 3+4 club in Halifax . Leaving the MECCA organization David went on the doors (doorman), later to take over Haigy's with Yvonne, who interestingly had a parallel working background as David's. Working at Visionhire as an accounts manager plus working part time in bars such as The Queens, The Park Horse Tickles and The Rawson, pubs I'm sure well remembered by Bradfordians.
Haigy's has had quite a transformation over the years since David and Yvonne took it over, being one of the few bars in the city who sold Tetley's beers, with weekends so busy that door staff had to be employed. Sadly the Bradford riots 2001 impacted in the Lumb Lane area, and Haigy's along with one or two other establishments on Lumb Lane were to suffer for some years, as people were put off going there. This is now changing, although it's taken some time, but it is changing nonetheless,and if Government interference is to extend to helping the license trade and not as it has being doing, just adding more and more tax to alcoholic drinks, then perhaps these owner operated pubs will return in abundance and re establish as one of the great institutions "The Great British Pub".
There's Always a warm welcome from David & Yvonne for old and and new patrons, in this well run pub that's being selling Real Ales for 18 of their 22 years of opening, winning countless awards from various bodies.
So turn the Telly and Computer off, and Bradfordians support your city and get down to this superb English Real Ale House, drink real beer eat real food and talk to real people. Does BradfordEye recommend this pub to one and all be it local or distant. Well yes I do! Why, because I know you'll return for more, and after all isn't that the real measure of an English pub!
Pictured left is long time member of staff on the Haigy's team Philip, along with a picture showing the main bar area. As you can see Haigy's sports a traditional British bar with a large compliment of optics holding a most comprehensive range of spirits also. The bar counter does not lag behind either with its fine range of English Ales and Ciders with the now popular European beers starting to make their presence felt in the more upmarket English Real Ale pubs. No doubting Haigy's can be counted, as indeed with just a few pubs in the city of Bradford, as punching well above its weight in its variety of over the counter drinks.
Walking into Haigy's from the front entrance off Lumb Lane, and you turned your eye left, you would see a small private room off from the main bar area with a selection of books a fish tank and subdued lighting. An ideal spot for a person who does not wish to be in the main bar area, instead would like to enjoy a pint and read a paper, if privacy is what you require in a public bar, well you can certainly have that at Haigy's!
However, don't expect that on a night when one of the many Bradford bands who play at this pub are on, because that's exactly where they'll be playing, along with the odd Karaoke night or DJ night, as you can see Haigy's is an all inclusive venue, never two nights the same. A pub for all seasons and all types of people, a classless Bradford pub that's in a class in itself!
The left hand picture is another place to sit and relax, but this time put your paper or i phone, down and just take a look at the many photographs that hang on the walls. Pictures of Bradford from years past abound, well worth a look and see how this great Northern Industrial city has changed over the years. If you're a resident of Bradford I'm sure even you'll be quite taken aback as to the collection David and Yvonne have managed to put together. Worth a visit for something, even the Media Museum doesn't have!
The two pictures above represent probably one of the finest Pool Room's to be found anywhere within the Bradford BD postcode. Everything that's required for a pool room is here, an excellent top of the range pool table, lighting that's even throughout, seating that wouldn't look out of place in a decent hotel. Yes if you're into sports such as pool then you'll be delighted to know that Haigy's also has full sports SKY. No stone left unturned when it comes to giving Haigy's customers what they want!
So there you have it! As David and Yvonne see Bradfordeye off the premises, I can't help but think that this pub will attract all kinds of people for a visit, I know I shall be still popping in for their excellently kept English Real Ale as indeed one or two of my friends have started doing lately. Haigy's Lumb Lane BD8 7QU is where it is and should you wish to give them a call about maybe hosting an event there, then call either David or Yvonne on 01274 731644 I know you will not be disappointed!
Haigy's Real Ale Pub
